I found some spar vanish on my last ship, and I used this to water proof the model, both inside and out. I have at least ten coats on her and I sanded between all coats...a very smooth planked hull. The aircraft structure adhesive I placed inside the hull dries rock hard and I needed to place it on the hull where I sanded the planking to thin. I'm not realy worried about the weight of the model...for I will need to add ballast as it is. I did manage to get a near perfect transition to the stern, from the main hull center section. Since this ship has a displacement hull, it will not be a fast boat in the water, but none realy were. Our ship made a good 15 knots when we were going full speed...maybe 16 if we were lucky. We usually cruised at 12 knots. Steaming against the trade winds could put a 30 kt. wind over the top deck...and that is where my bird was and where had to work on my helicopter. Believe me, flying a helicopter off these ships took patience and skill...And working on the top deck all the time had it's ups and downs. But when the weather was good, awesome. I've yet to finish my Hughs 500 for this model, but I will and place it on the top deck. I've ordered my extra three 6v batteries from Hobby Lobby and my bow thruster, and as soon as they arrive I will begine to finish this model. I am also going to send my radio Tx to Ace, and make it a seven channel radio...it's five now. I've the Ace Natical Commader Tx and Rx for this boat. I've one strong 1/4 scale servo in my collection of airtronics gear, and will use this for stearage. I am also thinking of placeing a boats horn in the model, and running lights.

There are a lot of scale items I did not show you I've made for the ship. I've my main engine and ships generator exhaust staks (made from s.s. tubing), stenchon lines, windlesses, and a host of other details I've made for the model.

I would love to see your model...

I would also like to build another ship...not sure what type...but is there anywhere I can find a lot of kits that are r/c and other then Hobby Lobby or Dumas ? I would love to build a model that would have sails and steam power too. I love scale ships.

Safe port always,
Bobby of Maui